Two weeks to go... We're almost there! This is the most stressful period, when it feels like there will never be enough time to finish everything. Maybe it's time to call in some help. Rally some friends or family or neighbors, offer them a glass of wine and hand them a box. Most people are glad to help out, plus it gives them all a little extra time to spend with you before you leave.
Another suggestion is to
- Arrange for a babysitter for moving day. It's better if they're out of the house completely, so you're not distracted and they aren't in the way. And sometimes, if children are having a difficult time with the move, being there while they're memories are being loaded onto a truck can be traumatic.
- If you have pets, make their travel arrangements. If they're flying, you may want to call a few carriers to see who will provide you, and Fluffy, with the best service.
- Return all library books. Even if you're in the middle of reading a good thriller, take those books back! It's a good idea to get them out of the way when you're packing and just so you don't pack them accidentally.
- Get your car fully checked and serviced. While you're at the shop, ask your mechanic if he can recommend any service stations in your new city.
- Prepare your car registration and insurance. If you're moving out of state or province, notify your current Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent of your address change and inquire about registration in your new state or province.
- Call your insurance company to cancel or transfer your current home coverage.
- Transfer all prescriptions to a pharmacy in your new city. If you're moving out of country, make sure you have enough medication to last until you get settled.
- If needed, reserve the elevator for your move-out and move-in dates. Make arrangements to get the elevator key from your landlord or building manager.
- Arrange for parking for the moving van. Make sure the moving van can fit in your driveway or on the street and that the distance from the van to the front door does not exceed what the moving company allows. This additional charge is called a long carry.
- Safely dispose of all hazardous household chemicals like paint, oil and solvents.
- Start eating items in your freezer and pantry. Try not to buy too many groceries right now or if you have to, only buy essentials and items that you'll eat in the next two weeks.
- Pack up your garage, shed, and basement. These areas sometimes take longer than expected so it's better not to leave them until the end.
- Continue packing. Try to label each box with what's inside, where it goes and any special instructions. Be as detailed as you can. This will make it easier when you're unpacking to know what needs to be unpacked first. You can even put a big bright sticker on the boxes that contain your essentials, for easy identification. Just make sure you put the sticker on at least two sides.
